HOUSTON – Days after a Houston ISD teen was tragically killed by a train while walking to school, community members and loved ones are joining together to honor his memory and ramp up calls for safety.
On Monday, Dec. 9, Milby High School student Sergio Rodriguez was hit and killed while attempting to cross in front of a moving train at 2000 Broadway St. near I-45.
Police say the train was in motion but traveling at a slow speed when Rodriguez was struck and killed. They also said the railroad crossing lights and arms were functioning normally at the time of the accident.
His parents, Marco Antonio Ortuno and Cecilia Rodriguez, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad and the train operator on Tuesday.
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East End residents tell KPRC 2 the train tracks’ dangers have always been known. In fact, Texas also leads the nation in railroad crossing accidents. In light of Sergio’s tragic death, loved ones and community members are working to spread a safety message and ensure nothing like this happens to another student.
Here is a list of just a few events that will be held:
Thursday, December 12, 2024:
Balloon Release outside Milby High School at 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024:
Town Hall Meeting to address safety concerns at 10 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024:
Benefit for Sergio Rodriguez at Milby High School from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This list will continue to be updated.